California race 1

[kaw500]

Not my favorite track racing can be a bit boring I believe it is referred to as "cookie cutter track".
Who's going this year? I was thinking about it but we are getting ready for the BITD Laughlin race this weekend.

RG should have a good fan turnout here and LV.

[JRod]

Home track advantage this weekend for RG- Here's hoping the Roush/Yates motor is high HP and super durable as California always seems to chew up the motors along about mile 485...

[Bricoop]

Home track advantage this weekend for RG- Here's hoping the Roush/Yates motor is high HP and super durable as California always seems to chew up the motors along about mile 485...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember a few RYR engines blowing while they were leading at CA in the past year or so. Biffle and Kenseth I believe.

[swiftracing5]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember a few RYR engines blowing while they were leading at CA in the past year or so. Biffle and Kenseth I believe.

The california race I went to last year Kenseth won.?

[JRod]

But I believe Biffle blew his motor after leading most of the race- straight Cheech/Chong style, he went up in smoke with little to no racing left...

[Bricoop]

Correct,
In Feb 2006, Biffle blew his engine.
My bad, I thought there was two RYR cars with engine problems.

[b-makk]

I remember Stewart blowing his too but that's not a Roush

[NIKAL]

We will be there and look for the big #7 sign again at the Nascar live shows. I am expecting it to be cool out all weekend, but I'm hoping for no rain. I leave Thursday night.

[michael_loomis]

everything Im seeing reads that Robby has aero probs.. and the motor is good .. but he sure looks down on power to me. Im no nascar genius, but I would think that tucked up in the draft if he had good power, he could jump out and move to the front. He did it pretty good in the chevy's.

and I heard they were using unleaded fuel for the first time ever in Fontana.. is that a Cali greenie thing ? sheesh I hope this experiment doesnt fizzle out.

[OffroadExit]

But I believe Biffle blew his motor after leading most of the race- straight Cheech/Chong style, he went up in smoke with little to no racing left...

Biffle blew his engine and Kenseth went on for the win.

[spalind]

RG entered in the CA Busch race this weekend?? And furthermore...is he gonna run in the Mexico City Busch series road race the following week?? Would think he'd love to get a road race top 5 in the Busch series...

[dezertranger1600]

Does anyone know if you can tailgate @ the California track?i'm pondering if I should take the motorhome and hang out there the whole weekend.

[RGFan]

RG entered in the CA Busch race this weekend?? And furthermore...is he gonna run in the Mexico City Busch series road race the following week?? Would think he'd love to get a road race top 5 in the Busch series...

I did not see him on the entry list for California. I thought that would have been a dead lock, home track and all. I will look for the Mexico City Entry list. He did say on his Daytona video that he looked forward to driving th Motorola/Verizon colors at Charlotte. I really hope he does Mexico City, Watkins Glen and Montreal in the Busch Series at least.

[NIKAL]

I hate to say this but I have been watching the weather channal and weather.com and it looks as there will definatly be rain on Friday so there is a real good chance that qualifing will be rained out and Robby will be starting the race from 32nd. And to make this worse all 3 of POS teams would then also be in the race. POS would start 38th, David's #00 bought Cal Wells #32 points so the #00 would start 37th and Dales #44 will use the PCP again. I really hope NASCAR does something to help because this would mean teams like Menard, Red Bull, Mayfield will all go home for a second time in a row. Also teams like Joe Nemacheck and Mike Wallace who made the 500 will also have to sit out. Wallace is 4th in points right now. That will just kill all of them in the points. I dont know if a team could come back from two DNS in a row.

[RacerX]

I thought if its rained out they start in order they are in the points standings?

[Hemp]

I thought if its rained out they start in order they are in the points standings?

ya but i think it different since its the first five races of the season


I will be there on sunday....Go RG

anyone know if he is signing autographs or anything on sunday

[NIKAL]

I thought if its rained out they start in order they are in the points standings?


The first five races of the year fall back on the preveous years points. That is why it is so important to be in the top 35 for the begining of the year. If you are in the top 35 in points you are locked in to the races. 36 or worse in points have to qualify on speed to get in. But if theres rain then they will use the points to line the cars up.

[RacerX]

The first five races of the year fall back on the preveous years points. That is why it is so important to be in the top 35 for the begining of the year. If you are in the top 35 in points you are locked in to the races. 36 or worse in points have to qualify on speed to get in. But if theres rain then they will use the points to line the cars up.

I forgot about the first 5 races rule. Well at least robby will make the show. If he has a good car and can work his way up to the front. If they can just finish in the top 15 or so he will be golden for the points. Like they said, there goal is to just finish the race.

[OffroadExit]

Does anyone know if you can tailgate @ the California track?i'm pondering if I should take the motorhome and hang out there the whole weekend.

Yup...thousands of people tailgate out there. If you book early enough for the next race they have a camping section for $500. The waiting list to put an RV on the infield is about 5+ years...lol.. The best and cheapest way is to roll in early on the day of the race and set-up in the parking lot. Just BEWARE of traffic leaving the speedway. Its nuts and they shut down all kinds of streets and funnel everybody to the freeways which takes some time. Good luck!

[b-makk]

I hate to say this but I have been watching the weather channal and weather.com and it looks as there will definatly be rain on Friday so there is a real good chance that qualifing will be rained out and Robby will be starting the race from 32nd. And to make this worse all 3 of POS teams would then also be in the race. POS would start 38th, David's #00 bought Cal Wells #32 points so the #00 would start 37th and Dales #44 will use the PCP again. I really hope NASCAR does something to help because this would mean teams like Menard, Red Bull, Mayfield will all go home for a second time in a row. Also teams like Joe Nemacheck and Mike Wallace who made the 500 will also have to sit out. Wallace is 4th in points right now. That will just kill all of them in the points. I dont know if a team could come back from two DNS in a row.

Wow! This is incredibly unfair. If qualifying is cancelled it will make it a lot easier to stay in the top 35. Here's the 8 guys outside the top 35 that would be in:
Sterling Marlin
David Reutimann
POS Waltrip
Ward Burton
Mike Bliss
Kenny Wallace
Bill Elliott (formerly #61) - jayski reporting John Andretti to drive
Dale Jarrett

Here's the owner's points from last year
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/data/standings_owner.html

and the entry list for california
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6487290

[b-makk]

...and the guys that would be sent packing in a rainout:
Joe Nemechek
Paul Menard
Kevin Lepage
Jeremy Mayfield
Regan Smith
Johnny Sauter
Brandon Whitt
Brian Vickers
A.J. Allmendinger

Expected to withdraw (according to Jayski):
Scott Wimmer
Derrike Cope

Definately interesting storylines in the first 5 races. Bristol qualifying was rained/snowed out last year.

[22REKid]

Just scored 4 free tickets so I will be there:D

[b-makk]

OK, I'm wrong about who would make the race and who would go home. Here are the rainout rules from jayski

What happens if qualifying gets rained out?
If it is the first 5 races of the season, the previous season OWNERS points are used:
#1) - Previous season Owner Points [position 1-35]
#2) - Race winners from the previous and current season not already in the field
#3) - Past Nextel Cup Champions not in by 1 or 2
#4) - Current season Owner Points [Top 35][not in by rules 1-3]
#5) - Current season race attempts ties broken by current owners points standings [not in by rules 1-4]

and here's the correct link of who would be in/out (scroll down) http://www.jayski.com/stats/2007/entries/2007cal1-entry.htm

[Bricoop]

Wow! This is incredibly unfair. If qualifying is cancelled it will make it a lot easier to stay in the top 35. Here's the 8 guys outside the top 35 that would be in:
Sterling Marlin
David Reutimann
POS Waltrip
Ward Burton
Mike Bliss
Kenny Wallace
Bill Elliott (formerly #61) - jayski reporting John Andretti to drive
Dale Jarrett

Here's the owner's points from last year
http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/data/standings_owner.html

and the entry list for california
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6487290

POS won't make top 35, w/ the hundred point penalty and driving someon elses backup car

[Bricoop]

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/features/power_rankings/02/fontana/

Where do they pull this sh** from? Mikey currently has -27 points(last place) and he is on there. C'mon Ryan, Get your act together.

[JRod]

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/features/power_rankings/02/fontana/

Where do they pull this sh** from? Mikey currently has -27 points(last place) and he is on there. C'mon Ryan, Get your act together.

Good news though- "Well, I will start out by being serious. This is the final week where I will write the Power Rankings, but the feature will remain on the site every Wednesday."

No more Smithson...what a 'tard.

[b-makk]

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/features/power_rankings/02/fontana/

Where do they pull this sh** from? Mikey currently has -27 points(last place) and he is on there. C'mon Ryan, Get your act together.

Those are the worst rankings I have seen in a long time! What race was he watching??? Email him and let him hear it! ryan.smithson@turner.com

Those are lame. He just puts the drivers in there that he has a crappy joke about.

[bajafox]

Didn't Tony finish dead last? WTF is he doing as number one!?:confused:

[kaw500]

Was he watching the same race we were? POS give me a break how did he get into this list. I've listened to a lot of junk from so called experts following the 500 but this is a complete joke. So don't list RG, fine but then they list the Toyota failure patrol.

I guess we will need to start an RDC ranking. NOL continues to sink.

[b-makk]

One word isn't exactly thrilling but here's the response I got from Smithson

Subject: Waltrip, Blaney, and Jarrett in the power rankings???
Message: Did you even watch the race??!! I guess good wrecks are worth more than good finishes.
Response: Exactly

Like I said, let him hear it ryan.smithson@turner.com

[Bricoop]

One word isn't exactly thrilling but here's the response I got from Smithson

Subject: Waltrip, Blaney, and Jarrett in the power rankings???
Message: Did you even watch the race??!! I guess good wrecks are worth more than good finishes.
Response: Exactly

Like I said, let him hear it ryan.smithson@turner.com

e-mail sent, I'll let you know the reply.

[JRod]

One word isn't exactly thrilling but here's the response I got from Smithson

Subject: Waltrip, Blaney, and Jarrett in the power rankings???
Message: Did you even watch the race??!! I guess good wrecks are worth more than good finishes.
Response: Exactly

Like I said, let him hear it ryan.smithson@turner.com

What a weaka$$ response- Doesn't even own up to anything...unless he just prints who/what he's told... Does he just write the dumb jokes for someone else's power rankings?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Funny thing is.... Next week's rankings will be way different... He just put POS in there because he thought his comment was funny... It wasn't. I think that is the first time POS has been in the rankings for 2 years.

[OldStroppeTeam]

What a weaka$$ response- Doesn't even own up to anything...unless he just prints who/what he's told... Does he just write the dumb jokes for someone else's power rankings?

It's like Adam says on Mythbuster, " I reject your reality and substitute my own !"

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Anyone sign up for the Tom Lykis/Robby/Jim Beam contest?

[Hemp]

whats the contest? didnt hear anything about that


so will we be able to rent the nextel fan view thing and listen or watch robby on those handheld devices?

[bajafox]

Anyone sign up for the Tom Lykis/Robby/Jim Beam contest?

Is it available to California residents this year? It's a trip to go to the "double" right?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Is it available to California residents this year? It's a trip to go to the "double" right?


Nope:

http://971freefm.com/pages/231602.php?contentType=33&contentId=12108

[Hemp]

espn article regarding robby gordon at california:

"I'm not sure you need me to tell you this, but don't start Robby Gordon at this track style, either. Gordon's only real useful fantasy events come at the two road-course races, where he's a perennial favorite. A little bit of noise has been made about Gordon's switch from Chevy to Ford and his implementation of Roush-Yates horsepower. But I don't expect it to make much of a difference, at least not right away. Single-car teams just have it too rough."

has robby done that bad at california the last few years?

[Bricoop]

espn article regarding robby gordon at california:

"I'm not sure you need me to tell you this, but don't start Robby Gordon at this track style, either. Gordon's only real useful fantasy events come at the two road-course races, where he's a perennial favorite. A little bit of noise has been made about Gordon's switch from Chevy to Ford and his implementation of Roush-Yates horsepower. But I don't expect it to make much of a difference, at least not right away. Single-car teams just have it too rough."

has robby done that bad at california the last few years?

Up and down, a couple DNFs, Motor and a wreck with sterling marlin I believe(totalled his best mid-length track car, engine through the firewall). Last February ran out of gas went a lap down and although was running lap times par with the leaders couldn't get his lap back. So 3 poor finishes out of the last four races from my recollection. I was lucky enough to be in the Gordon camp the last 4 or 5 races but unfortunetly will be staying home this year.

[b-makk]

He was competitive but bad pit calls and over-aggressive driving took him out of contention

[kaw500]

RG 20th in practice

http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2007/2/data/practice1_speeds.html

Qualifying should be underway I can't get Pitcommand to launch (NOL=JOKE) so anybody watching please post updates.

[michael_loomis]

first ford in practice 1 on the nascar site... 20oa. hmm go fusion! (sarcasm..chevy guy here:P) maybe they can give him a single car team handicap.. let him run ford motors with chevy bodies??

[kaw500]

My bad Q starts at 3:00 PST. To early to call NOL a joke? No it still is.

[kaw500]

first ford in practice 1 on the nascar site... 20oa. hmm go fusion! (sarcasm..chevy guy here:P) maybe they can give him a single car team handicap.. let him run ford motors with chevy bodies??

I did not catch that when I first viewed the standings. Interesting.

[DanDan]

Wow! Bergren just put the lipstick on the POS pig. Looks like RG is going out late.

[DanDan]

Good grief. I'm waiting for RG and they come back from a commercial to tell me he just ran and is 46th. You hear Robby say the car was "really bad".

[Bricoop]

RG next to last w/ 3 to go, kinda wish qualifying was rained out now.

[michael_loomis]

heh.. oh well.. atleast we know the aero handicapped Fusion is a top 20 in traffic. couple wrecks puts us up in the top 15 again. neat.

[Ryno]

RG came up to 10th in final practice. Toyota is hurting, besides Vickers. He seems to have the car pretty well dialed.

[AZBadseed]

Looks like things are shaping up....it's nice to see RG do some serious practice laps. 39 laps in happy hour....GAS ON! Good luck RGM!

[Bricoop]

Nascar stepin up inspection:

great article!

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/abox/article_1590860.php

[Bricoop]

also robby got an article in the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/sports/othersports/25nascar.html

[AZBadseed]

From the times article:

Asked which title he would prefer, Gordon, said: “That’s the one thing about having my own cars. I can do all three. Why do I have to choose one?”

Classic wouldn't you say?!

[dezertranger1600]

very classic.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Sums it up pretty good.

[REEVESRacing]

Nice times article...not bad options, "Dakar, Indy or Daytona," makes for a great show too...

Pretty impressed with RG's perception, patience and accident avoidance for the finish last week....

anybody get a chance to look for or spot any of the RDC'rs on Trackside? Nikal was planning on being up there with a big #7?

GO ROBBY!

[Ryno]

trackside yesterday was alot of 7 and 38 fans. Someone there had a big 7 and a RG flag. Didn't get to watch alot, gotta get remodeling done.

[Bricoop]

okay NOL sucks. Anybody help out with the coverage start time?

[DanDan]

okay NOL sucks. Anybody help out with the coverage start time?

Noon on FOX.

[RGFan]

knock on wood guys, so far so good, the day is young though

[dezertranger1600]

7th so far......

[kaw500]

"Moving mountains with small shovels" nice quote from his crew chief, Irwin.

[JRod]

RG is looking good- Cautions that are helping- Positive comments from the booth...

2007- The year of the 7...

[dezertranger1600]

RG is looking good- Cautions that are helping- Positive comments from the booth...

2007- The year of the 7...

I really hope it is:D

[JRod]

"Moving mountains with small shovels" nice quote from his crew chief, Irwin.

Good quote- Too true- Really an underdog

"RG moves mountains with Toyos...." (Me)

[JRod]

Dale Jr. heading back on the track to make some laps...

[JRod]

Blaney out- Jr. Back in

What happened to the lap times? Did RG make some changes on the last stop that aren't working?

[JRod]

Great time for a caution- Make some needed changes hopefully- Another mystery debris caution? ROTFL!!!

[JRod]

Turn 2 is out of control- RG tapped the wall there, but so has half the rest of the field

[JRod]

RG still racing the leader- only it's to stay on the lead lap- Hope JJs not too offended...

[kaw500]

ugly hit for the #00. glad to see DR getting out in one piece. 7 to go RG 21st top 20 would be a good points day

[JRod]

The Biff absolutely punted him- Not sure why/how, but he punted him- Glad he's okay- looked scary for a minute...

[DanDan]

The Biff absolutely punted him- Not sure why/how, but he punted him- Glad he's okay- looked scary for a minute...

When they showed the GPS 3D thing, it looked like biffle got a run on him and went awful low to avoid but ran out of room.

[kaw500]

Kinda surprised RG pitted 4 laps to the end

[kaw500]

RG 21st, not great not bad still surprised about that last pit.

[JRod]

must've thought he could outrace some of the lapped cars on fresh tires...

[DanDan]

RG 21st, not great not bad still surprised about that last pit.

I agree on the 21st. Wasn't he a lap down anyway. He didn't lose much on the stop.

[JRod]

must've thought he could outrace some of the lapped cars on fresh tires...

Better than pulling a Harvick and finding out he has a tire down I guess..

[DanDan]

Better than pulling a Harvick and finding out he has a tire down I guess..

Good one. :D I'm not sure why but I've never been a Harvick fan.

[spalind]

RG remains 14th in the overall standings after this race...not bad considering Dale Jr. is 41st and behind even Boris Said who did not even race this weekend!! After seeing a # of DEI engines blow up today and RG's more consistent performance the past two weeks i think the move to Ford is paying off...

[RGFan]

RG remains 14th in the overall standings after this race...not bad considering Dale Jr. is 41st and behind even Boris Said who did not even race this weekend!! After seeing a # of DEI engines blow up today and RG's more consistent performance the past two weeks i think the move to Ford is paying off...

I would have to agree, although it is still very early. Did you guys catch POS in the standings:D :D :D 46th, 362 behind the leader and still -27 points.:D :D :D David Reutiman had a bad finish and Dale Jarret is running out of provisionals. WHile I do feel bad for David Reutiman, Dale Jarret is a big boy and did this for the money, which he will get paid whether he starts a race or not. I would love nothing more then to see MWR fall flat on their face and fail miserably. I also am getting some satisfaction in seeing Red Bull not doing to well, they politely told RG to F.O. as far as sponsoring a Cup Team, and for Toyota who also told RG "We are good". I believe out of the Toyota's, there are only 2 teams in the top 35, DJ at 28th, using 2 provisionals (of 6 available for the season) to get into 2 races and Bryan VIckers who at 34th has only made one race. AJ Almendinger and Jeremy Mayfield do not have a single point ( What is Jeremy's excuse this time) Way to go Team G!! Looks like the blue oval was the right choice after all.

[DanDan]

After seeing a # of DEI engines blow up today and RG's more consistent performance the past two weeks i think the move to Ford is paying off...

Yeah and don't forget that jr lost 2 motors in the test at vegas. This coming race at vegas could be another bad one for dei.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I would have to agree, although it is still very early. Did you guys catch POS in the standings:D :D :D 46th, 362 behind the leader and still -27 points.:D :D :D David Reutiman had a bad finish and Dale Jarret is running out of provisionals. WHile I do feel bad for David Reutiman, Dale Jarret is a big boy and did this for the money, which he will get paid whether he starts a race or not. I would love nothing more then to see MWR fall flat on their face and fail miserably. I also am getting some satisfaction in seeing Red Bull not doing to well, they politely told RG to F.O. as far as sponsoring a Cup Team, and for Toyota who also told RG "We are good". I believe out of the Toyota's, there are only 2 teams in the top 35, DJ at 28th, using 2 provisionals (of 6 available for the season) to get into 2 races and Bryan VIckers who at 34th has only made one race. AJ Almendinger and Jeremy Mayfield do not have a single point ( What is Jeremy's excuse this time) Way to go Team G!! Looks like the blue oval was the right choice after all.

RG didn't want to go Yota this year. He didn't want to be in a "new team" position after all the work they did in 05 and 06. He knew the Ford power was a sure thing. But, yeah very glad to see Yota having a tough time... They sure did look stout down the straits tho.

With only 3 more races to go off of last year's points we may see some big dawgs out of the top 35 by race 6...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

We may see all the Yota teams out including Jarrett

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Owners points

31 Bill Saunders 96 158 -177 0 31 0
32 Ray Evernham 9 150 -185 -8 23 9
33 Kyle Petty 45 139 -196 -11 41 -8
34 Dany Bahar 83 135 -200 -4 58 -24
35 Teresa Earnhardt 15 128 -207 -7 45 -10
36 Gene Haas 66 128 -207 0 34 2
37 Geoff Smith 26 122 -213 -6 29 8
38 Mark Simo 160 121 -214 -1 13 25
39 Teresa Earnhardt 1 118 -217 -3 27 12
40 Glen Wood 21 113 -222 -5 33 7
41 Teresa Earnhardt 8 110 -225 -3 30 11
42 Calvin Wells, Iii 0 107 -228 -3 38 4
43 Bill Davis 22 107 -228 0 32 11
44 Bob Jenkins 37 68 -267 -39 51 -7
45 James Rocco 10 67 -268 -1 44 1
46 Elizabeth Morgenthau 49 31 -304 -36 42 4
47 Gail Davis 36 28 -307 -343
48 Barney Visser 78 22 -313

[Ryno]

Wow...the motor issue is rediculous. These guys have endless amounts of $$$, and can't keep a bullet together for 600 miles. At least Dale Jr. had a sense of humor about it.

Vickers is the guy that will come out on top for the toyotas. DJ has a big $$ sponsor, and a name, he's not worried. MWR is what it is. Can't make chicken soup from chicken ****.

RG had a good day, ran top 15 most of the day. 21st is better than the other 1/2 of the field. If he plays his cards on the conservative side, and finishes every race, he's got a chance. I'm not a blue oval fan, but their bullets ran strong today.

Fly-how do you read the owners points you posted?

[AZBadseed]

I couldnt watch the last 60 or so laps but up to that point....
What about the boys going over the wall for the 7 car! What a great day for them. (from what i saw)Keepin' up with the big boys. What a struggle last year always losing spots on pit road. Probably helps to keep RG a little cooler under the collar this year so far, not having to try and make up a bunch of spots lost during pitting.

[JRod]

The pit crew really turned out an impressive performance today- That's for sure.

[RGFan]

RG didn't want to go Yota this year. He didn't want to be in a "new team" position after all the work they did in 05 and 06. He knew the Ford power was a sure thing. But, yeah very glad to see Yota having a tough time... They sure did look stout down the straits tho.

With only 3 more races to go off of last year's points we may see some big dawgs out of the top 35 by race 6...

While that may have been Fly, Toyota came out and said they had their roster and were not interested in RG publicly in May or June of last year. They did say that they may have a roster spot for RG possibly in 08 or 09.

[Jack]

The crew was doing good early, but with the green flag pits late in the race, that is where Robby seamed to loose ground again then got caught by the leaders and down, they must have made a bad adjustment for the end as he got slower and was not able to get the free pass back to the lead lap. down hill from there but 21st is still beter then most.

[bajafox]

Blaney riding top 5 before that caution thing was good to see and Vickers scoring a top 10 for Toyota was also good. Seems I'm one of the very few to be happy to see Toyota in cup, can't wait to see one in victory lane.

I fell asleep halfway through the race, they gotta do something to make the racing better at this track

[Bricoop]

Blaney riding top 5 before that caution thing was good to see and Vickers scoring a top 10 for Toyota was also good. Seems I'm one of the very few to be happy to see Toyota in cup, can't wait to see one in victory lane.

I fell asleep halfway through the race, they gotta do something to make the racing better at this track

hopefully COT will help, if not rogressive banking will be necessary.

[kaw500]

I listened to it on the radio out in the garage then watched the last 30 laps on TV. Thought is was a little better than last year but not much, they are hauling a** around that track.

RG's 21st helped him to be 1 of only 5 drivers to maintain their spot in the points, obviously this early in the season you will see a lot of movement but last year he slipped 3 spots after the CA race. It's still early but consistency and the big picture appears to be a theme at RGM.

They may be all smiles at DEI on the outside, inside they have to be scratching their heads. Good to see Joe Nemechek running well this early in the year Ginn racing is on a roll.

[woundedyak]

I think with this "contract deal" going on with Jr. It's really tearing that team up.Or again,they could be trying some new stuff with the motor? I think RG had a good run. Looks like they got some of the aero package worked out,but lost the set-up towards the end.Plus he got some good coverage through out the race. Like his crew chief said "We are making progress. We are moving mountains with shovels"

[FlyHiFlyLo]

While that may have been Fly, Toyota came out and said they had their roster and were not interested in RG publicly in May or June of last year. They did say that they may have a roster spot for RG possibly in 08 or 09.

That is what I was told... Think about it. A top 35 car one of only 1 other one (#22). They wanted it. RG didn't. It is still very fresh in RG's head what happened in 2005. He was going to take no risk.

My opinion is that he Yates deal my have been the workings for a very big shift and a defection. But it didn't pan out.

Hows this? Paul Menard & the #15 car, Misses the Daytona 500, Makes the field for California... Finishes 20th, sits 35th in owner's points, Truex and Jr race both races and sit 39th and 41st respective. Holy Cow! Jr could actually miss Martinsville?

[NIKAL]

Hey guys I'm back from Fontuky. I got there on Thrusday night an fortunatly the rain let up just as we were putting the trailer in is spot. Our other trailer got there early in the morning and basicaly they had to just sit in the trailer as it was just a down pore and the water runs right into the infield. Everyones camps that were in the grass were nothing but mud Friday morning. Thankfully ours are on asphalt. Friday was prety cool out with a good wind hitting the cars as they came out of turn two. I was expecting a few cars in the fence during practice and qualifing, but it did not happen. RG did not look real happy after qualifing and Dale Jarrett was a complete joke! His first lap he went down the back stretch in nuteral reving his motor and then pulled in the pits not even completing his warm up lap. When he came back out he was going about 60 down the back stretch. Seeing Waltrip go home was great! I did not get out to Trackside Live as we thought the show was at 11 am and it was really at 10am. So sorry no big #7 this time. We did have it zip tied to our big awning for all to see. I went to the vendors row and looked around and Waltrips trailer had only 2 people looking at his stuff. I walked up and asked if that had any MWR octain booster for sale. The people in the trailer said they have heard alot of coments from people walking by. The people that work in the trailers dont usaully work for the teams. The teams hire a company to haul the trailers and sell the merchandise. Robby used to have his own people, but this year he has contracted with (Champion Marketing) I think was the name. They now haul his trailer and manufacture all the merchandise. They said that RGM did this as becuse they were spending alot more money hualing there traler out and paying his own employees and there hotel rooms. Also they will now be taking the RG merchandise trailer to all the events. Last year RGM's trailer almost did not make the second Cali race because his truck driver had quit. So RGM will not have to worry about this anymore.

The race itself was pretty good this year. Robby was not happy on the first pit, as Robby wanted 4 tires and Greg only gave him 2. Robby let Greg know he was not happy and Greg basiclly to Robby to shut it. Then after a caution came out and the 2 tire stop played into there favor. Greg then asked Robby what do you want and Robby said to Greg "Well your calling the shots today so give me what you think". After that they were running in the top 10 for a good chunk of the race. Lat in the race I think the handling just got away from them and they finished 21st.

Also when I down load some pictures I will post one of what we put infront of our camp. We have a 30 gal white plastc drum we use to put all the dirty dish water in and the cooking grease in. On Sunday we made a sign that said Michael Waltrip unused race fuel for sale. Not NASCAR legal, Make offer! We had a hose coming out of the drum and a funnel on top with a few glow sticks in the drum so it glowed. People were coming by and laughing there butts off. Some even took pictures. I will post the picture tonight or tomorrow.

[DanDan]

Also when I down load some pictures I will post one of what we put infront of our camp. We have a 30 gal white plastc drum we use to put all the dirty dish water in and the cooking grease in. On Sunday we made a sign that said Michael Waltrip unused race fuel for sale. Not NASCAR legal, Make offer! We had a hose coming out of the drum and a funnel on top with a few glow sticks in the drum so it glowed. People were coming by and laughing there butts off. Some even took pictures. I will post the picture tonight or tomorrow.

Priceless! Awesome. Glad I wasn't in mid swig. :D

[dezertranger1600]

LMAO @ the waltrip race fuel:D

[FlyHiFlyLo]

That's funny... Can't wait to see the pics!

[RGFan]

That is what I was told... Think about it. A top 35 car one of only 1 other one (#22). They wanted it. RG didn't. It is still very fresh in RG's head what happened in 2005. He was going to take no risk.

My opinion is that he Yates deal my have been the workings for a very big shift and a defection. But it didn't pan out.

Hows this? Paul Menard & the #15 car, Misses the Daytona 500, Makes the field for California... Finishes 20th, sits 35th in owner's points, Truex and Jr race both races and sit 39th and 41st respective. Holy Cow! Jr could actually miss Martinsville?


Makes sense for RG, but that does not explain why Toyota would come out and publicly deny Team G, they did do that. I am not questioning your knowledge of the situation Fly, just stating the fact that Toyota said no to Team Gordon publicly. What was said privately, well only a select few know for sure. I heard that the only way that Team Gordon was to go with Toyota was if they partnered with team Red Bull as a 3rd car, which I heard was an option put out there. Regardless, it worked out, I think RG and Team Gordon were better off going with Ford in the end. Does anyone know if he is racing in Mexico City?

[JRod]

Just watched Inside Nextel Cup on TiVO- Call me an optimist, but I still am willing to bear POS in the hope that they'll mention RG and give him some good press.

Let me tell you why being an optimist is retarded. I watched the whole damn show only to hear Juan Pablo Montoya mentioned 87 times and not one mention of RG- who finished ahead of Juan Pablo and is ahead of JPM in the points as well.:mad:

There, I have vented and feel better- A little.

[JRod]

On a lighter note, Reed Sorensen asked POS what a perfect weekend would be for him and he answered, "Golfing." Obviously he is a realist and understands that if he said racing he would be laughed at/ridiculed even more.

[RGFan]

Just watched Inside Nextel Cup on TiVO- Call me an optimist, but I still am willing to bear POS in the hope that they'll mention RG and give him some good press.

Let me tell you why being an optimist is retarded. I watched the whole damn show only to hear Juan Pablo Montoya mentioned 87 times and not one mention of RG- who finished ahead of Juan Pablo and is ahead of JPM in the points as well.:mad:

There, I have vented and feel better- A little.

Yeah, all positive mention of RG ended on that show when RG and POS started their little rivalry a few years ago. Robby did not recieve 2 mentions last year after Watkins Glen, even after the incredible finish in the Busch Series. What do you think set POS off, Rg throwing the helmet, or leaving his torn up chassis in POS's front yard:D I do not even watch it anymore.

[RGFan]

No RG in Mexico City

[RGFan]

On a lighter note, Buffy Waltrip, aka Mrs POS is listed in 56th points position for owners points for the #55 Napa Toyota Camry. That is 21 points out of 35th. Hee hee hee hee

[Bricoop]

On a lighter note, Buffy Waltrip, aka Mrs POS is listed in 56th points position for owners points for the #55 Napa Toyota Camry. That is 21 points out of 35th. Hee hee hee hee

you might want to check your math, its way more than 21 points.

35 +10 #15 Teresa Earnhardt 128 -207 1 0 0 0
36 -1 #66 Gene Haas 128 -207 2 0 0 0
37 -7 #26 Geoff Smith 122 -213 2 0 0 0
38 -25 #160 Mark Simo 121 -214 1 0 0 0
39 -11 #1 Teresa Earnhardt 118 -217 2 0 0 0
40 -6 #21 Glen Wood 113 -222 2 0 0 0
41 -10 #8 Teresa Earnhardt 110 -225 2 0 0 0
42 -3 #00 Calvin Wells, III 107 -228 2 0 0 0
43 -10 #22 Bill Davis 107 -228 2 0 0 0
44 +7 #37 Bob Jenkins 68 -267 1 0 0 0
45 -1 #10 James Rocco 67 -268 2 0 0 0
46 -3 #36 Gail Davis 53 -282 0 0 0 0
47 -5 #49 Elizabeth Morgenthau 47 -288 0 0 0 0
48 -2 #78 Barney Visser 35 -300 0 0 0 0
49 +7 #4 Larry McClure 29 -306 0 0 0 0
50 -3 #34 Brad Jenkins 29 -306 0 0 0 0
51 +8 #84 Dany Bahar 23 -312 0 0 0 0
52 +8 #172 Bryan Mullet 19 -316 0 0 0 0
53 -5 #74 Raynard McGlynn 16 -319 0 0 0 0
54 -5 #130 Rick Ware 13 -322 0 0 0 0
55 -5 #139 Bobby Ginn 10 -325 0 0 0 0
56 -- #55 Buffy Waltrip 4 -331 1 0 0 0


124 actually

[RGFan]

you might want to check your math, its way more than 21 points.

35 +10 #15 Teresa Earnhardt 128 -207 1 0 0 0
36 -1 #66 Gene Haas 128 -207 2 0 0 0
37 -7 #26 Geoff Smith 122 -213 2 0 0 0
38 -25 #160 Mark Simo 121 -214 1 0 0 0
39 -11 #1 Teresa Earnhardt 118 -217 2 0 0 0
40 -6 #21 Glen Wood 113 -222 2 0 0 0
41 -10 #8 Teresa Earnhardt 110 -225 2 0 0 0
42 -3 #00 Calvin Wells, III 107 -228 2 0 0 0
43 -10 #22 Bill Davis 107 -228 2 0 0 0
44 +7 #37 Bob Jenkins 68 -267 1 0 0 0
45 -1 #10 James Rocco 67 -268 2 0 0 0
46 -3 #36 Gail Davis 53 -282 0 0 0 0
47 -5 #49 Elizabeth Morgenthau 47 -288 0 0 0 0
48 -2 #78 Barney Visser 35 -300 0 0 0 0
49 +7 #4 Larry McClure 29 -306 0 0 0 0
50 -3 #34 Brad Jenkins 29 -306 0 0 0 0
51 +8 #84 Dany Bahar 23 -312 0 0 0 0
52 +8 #172 Bryan Mullet 19 -316 0 0 0 0
53 -5 #74 Raynard McGlynn 16 -319 0 0 0 0
54 -5 #130 Rick Ware 13 -322 0 0 0 0
55 -5 #139 Bobby Ginn 10 -325 0 0 0 0
56 -- #55 Buffy Waltrip 4 -331 1 0 0 0


124 actually

Actually meant 21 postions, easy tiger

[Bricoop]

Actually meant 21 postions, easy tiger

not trying to start any fights.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

However many points or positions..... it's funny as hell!

[kaw500]

It's riot, the script could not be written any better

And 32 postions behind RG is perfect

[OffroadExit]

Whats up with that stupid hat POS was wearing in the pits right before the race...seems to me like he was trying get some "tv coverage" He came walking by me in the garage area and several people flipped him off from a certain race hauler which will remain nameless! Classic!

[NIKAL]

Here's the photo of the Waltrip fuel For Sale sign and drum. All thats in the drum is dirty dish water and cooking grease. At night we threw some orange glow sticks in the drum to make it glow. It was pretty funny. Like I was saying a lot of people would laugh as they came by and some took pictures.

[RGFan]

not trying to start any fights.

Its all good man, I would not have realized the mistype without you pointing it out. A poor attempt at humor on my part maybe.

[dezertranger1600]

That pic is priceless...still LMAO @ at it

[RGFan]

And still, yet again, no updates from Team G about the weekend in Cali. They should be testing the COT at Bristol today. I hope the COT works out the way it should , evening out the field so to speak. SOme people are against having an IROC style series. Why, are they afraid their driver wont be able to stack up against the competition. I personally like the idea, the race should be in the drivers hands and the best driver should win. I like Robby's chances in an equally prepared vehicle. Bring It On!!!!!

[kaw500]

And still, yet again, no updates from Team G about the weekend in Cali. They should be testing the COT at Bristol today. I hope the COT works out the way it should , evening out the field so to speak. SOme people are against having an IROC style series. Why, are they afraid their driver wont be able to stack up against the competition. I personally like the idea, the race should be in the drivers hands and the best driver should win. I like Robby's chances in an equally prepared vehicle. Bring It On!!!!!

COT at Infineon that will be one to watch. RG repeat of 03? That was a fun. We will be in turn 2 again this year, bring on the summer.

[Bricoop]

And still, yet again, no updates from Team G about the weekend in Cali.

Found your problem:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Pes7TNyvg

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Here's the photo of the Waltrip fuel For Sale sign and drum. All thats in the drum is dirty dish water and cooking grease. At night we threw some orange glow sticks in the drum to make it glow. It was pretty funny. Like I was saying a lot of people would laugh as they came by and some took pictures.


Awesome craftyness!!!

[SplitFusion2390]

Heres a video I made of the past weekend.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lliTgwgH8b4